CS224W:
Social and Information Network Analysis
Autumn 2010

Course Information


Topics

For detailed list see the class schedule.


Coursework

The coursework for the class will consist of:

Problem Sets

The idea for the problem sets is to practice some skills that will be required for the project. Specifically, we will be working both on mathematical models of networks and analyzing real network data. Thus, we will review some of the theory presented in class. For example, how to find stable sets in structural balance theory or how to optimally seed the network to maximize the influence. Second, we will also work with network datasets to get a flavor of types of questions one asks in network analysis. For example, using citation data create a small citation network, compute degree distributions, clustering coefficients, node centralities.

Students may discuss the problem sets with others in the class. However, writing up of the solutions must be done separately. In addition, each student should write on the problem set the set of people with whom s/he collaborated.

Reaction paper

The course is based on material from the last few years. This means that of it in form of research papers, which raise lot of interesting issues that have yet to be explored.

You can work in groups of up to 3 people on the paper.

Students will pick at least two or three related papers where at least one has been mentioned in class or the book. You should carefully read them and write a short approximately 3-5 pages reaction paper about the content of the chosen papers. The reaction paper should address the following questions:

Reaction papers should not just be summaries of the papers you read. The last two bullets should form the most substantial part of the document. Answering these questions can be a very good way to explore a potential project topic. The reaction paper should be concluded with a project proposal section with a description of your project and tentative plans for how you will proceed is explained. The proposed work has to include at least some amount of each of the following two types of content:

In prior version of the course, the reaction paper has been a very good way to explore a potential project topic.

Project

There can be three kinds of class projects:

Ideally, projects will be a mix of the three types of projects outlined above. As with the reaction paper, the project should contain at least some amount of mathematical analysis, and some experimentation on real or synthetic data.

There are four deliverables:

You can work in groups of up to 3 people on the project.

Student project reports from Fall 2009 class.

Grading

The grading will be based:

Recognizing that students may require some flexibility in the course of the quarter, each student will have a total of four free late (calendar) days to use as s/he sees fit. Once these late days are exhausted, any homework turned in late will be penalized 20% per late day. However, late days cannot be used for the final project writeup. To hand in a late homework, write down the date and time of submission, and leave it in the submission box in front of Gates 418.

Due Dates

Assignment/Work
Out on
Due on
Reaction Paper
--
October 4
Assignment #1
September 27
October 11
Project Proposal
--
October 18
Assignment #2
October 22
November 4
Competition
November 5
November 13
Project Milestone
--
November 18
Project Poster Presentation
--
December 7 ; 3-6PM
Project Write-up
--
December 8 ; Midnight (NO LATE DAYS)

Communication

Questions should be sent to the course staff list cs224w-aut1011-staff@lists.stanford.edu (consisting of the TAs and the professor).